What does the European Commission do?

The European Commission implements the agenda set by the European Council.

It does this by:

• developing and drafting legislation or other non-legislative measures and
• monitoring implementation.

The Commission is the executive organ of the European Community (the equivalent of our civil service). It is based in Brussels and organised in 24 directorates, each led by a European Commissioner.

Every member country currently nominates one Commissioner, who has a particular area of responsibility for a five year term, such as agriculture or trade. The Commissioners’ work is overseen by the President of the Commission.

The Commission acts as the guardian of the treaties, ensuring that member states respect the treaties and community law, and that they implement adopted legislation. The Commission's role is less developed in the 'intergovernmental' activities of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Justice and Home Affairs.